Today was a crazy day. Since I have been helping the Executive Director of Mercy plan for her upcoming trip to South Korea to speak at the "International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific" conference I have been super busy. After English class with my three 8th grade superstars and my drop-in with P-Eat in the communications department I realized I had just enough time to make it to the Spanish film "Celda 211" at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center.
The building is amazing, like a museum, filled with artist's glass rooms and a huge theater for the European Union's free International Film Festival. Little did I know that "Celda 211", also known as "Cell 211" would be the most intense and violent film I have seen in sometime. The opening scene almost had me sick. However, the film was done brilliantly and has been up for multiple awards in Spain.
On my way out my eye was caught by books, shocking I know. I ended up in a conversation that seemed to be either totally insane or very smart- maybe both, but I think he fell to one side of the fence or the other. Naturally, I would talk to him as he showed me his art books with blank pages, because "he didn't want to restrain the reader" and a book of quotes he had made up. I ended up buying one of his books of sketches, next to his "words of wisdom", so Leanne, get excited for your care package. I also bought "The Little Prince" in Thai for all the little princes at Mercy 2. When the crazy man asked me what I was doing in Bangkok, I told him I lived in Klong Toei as a volunteer and english teacher. He looked confused. He asked, "How are the children of Klong Toei?" I told him they were wonderful and like all children, wild and curious. I contined to explain that I was working with The Mercy Centre. I have a feeling he had no idea what I was talking about, but asked if the children were orphans. I nodded. He smiled and with a vibrant chuckle, told me I had mercy in my heart. Kind words from a crazy man. I'll take it.
Tonight I have been working on researching NGO's in South Korea that work with HIV/AIDS patients. Every day is a new experience. Tomorrow is a huge celebration, where I am told the streets are packed by 7am, with people dancing and singing and preparing their offerings to take to the temples. There is a MASSIVE yellow candle sitting in front of Mercy, decorated immaculately with scores of white flowers. I can't wait to dance and walk with the kids to the temple tomorrow- camera in hand.
Amy Johnson arrives tomorrow night and Friday morning we are off to Koh Chang. What a beautiful week ahead!
Love to you all, may we all have mercy in our hearts :)
ABA
((I promise pictures tomorrow!!))
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